Lawmaker eyes probe on open pit gold mining in Surigao

MANILA, Philippines - Alarmed by the the unabated open pit gold mining operations in Surigao del Sur, a legislator has called for a congressional inquiry into the continuous activities of small scale mining operators in the province.

Surigao del Sur Rep. Florencio Garay, in House Resolution 1131, urged Congress to look into the environmentally-destructive open-pit mining in Brgy. Tambis, Barobo.

Garay pointed out that the unabated gold mining operations are reportedly taking place just 200 meters from the national highway, Barangay Tambis, Barobo, Surigao del Sur.

"I am seeking this open inquiry by the Committee on Natural Resources in consonance with the Section 16, Article II of the Constitution which mandates that the State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature," Garay said.

He cited Section 2 of R.A. 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 which declared that it is the responsibility of the State to promote the rational exploration, development, utilization and conservation of all mineral resources in a way that effectively safeguards the environment and protect the rights of affected communities.

"The reported ongoing mining operations have resulted in several excavations and turned vast tracts of farmlands in the gold-rich village of Barangay Tambis into what looked like craters the size of coliseums," Garay said.

Garay said these open-pit mining operations being undertaken by supposed small-scale operators are allegedly supported by a temporary small-scale mining permit signed by the provincial governor of Surigao del Sur and issued to a certain Gecel Bahalla, resident of San Francisco town in neighboring province of Agusan del Sur.

Garay said that Danny Lumapas, a councilor of the town and chair of the council’s environment committee, believes that Bhalia might just be a "dummy" for Taiwanese financiers Jennifer Wen, Jo Wen and a certain Nik Hsu.

"The mining operations has attracted other small-scale miners who started their own excavations and caused a 'free-for-all' gold hunt in Barangay Tambis," Garay added.

The reported mining activities had already heavily damaged farms and were posing a grave threat to a two-kilometer farm-to-market road concreting project.